Wickford housing plan to be reviewed by judges (From Echo)

High Court bid to block Barn Hall estate plan

6:11pm Friday 28th November 2008 in Search

BASILDON Council has gone to the High Court to appeal against the Government decision to give the go-ahead to Wickford’s Barn Hall housing development.

The council started an action in the High Court in London on Friday, after Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, ruled the 200 homes could be built at Barn Hall.

Gleeson Homes’ proposal sparked fierce opposition from residents and was turned down by Basildon councillors.

A Government planning inspector also came down against the plans when Gleeson appealed against the council decision.

Mrs Blears’s shock ruling prompted widespread anger in Wickford and among councillors.

Peter Boyns, of the Wickford North Green Action Group, which fought the plans, praised the council.

He said: “I really admire it for wanting to forge ahead with its own plans and take on the Government.

“I am absolutely disgusted with the way the Government has acted.”

The council is still working on a local development framework document which is supposed to dictate the way Wickford develops over the next 20 years.

The High Court action will challenge Mrs Blears’ right to prempt the new policy document.

Tony Ball, councillor responsible for planning, said: “This land is highly valued by the community. Local people don’t want to see it built on.

“We will do everything we can to try to get the Secretary of State’s decision overturned”.